University of Zurich opens new lab building

The University of Zurich (UZH) celebrated the opening of its new lab building at the Irchel Campus on Friday. The Institutes for Chemistry, Biomedicine and Evolutionary Biology will all be housed at the new complex. According to a press release, the aim here will be to generate mutually beneficial synergies and extend the scope of collaborations.

In the new building, the focus of chemical sciences will be on combining basic research with sustainable applications. For example, research will be conducted into renewable energy batteries and natural approaches to organic farming, as well as drugs that could potentially aid a healthy aging process. The Institute for Biomedicine focuses on the interaction of basic medical research, the implementation of laboratory research in healthcare settings and medical informatics, while the Institute for Evolutionary Biology studies sustainability across various ecosystems.

“The high-quality research and teaching in these disciplines strengthens the canton of Zurich as a national and international university location”, UZH writes in the press release.

The new building features one single-story and two six-story structural shells, which are connected to the existing buildings. According to information in the press release, the new buildings provide around 18,000 square meters of usable space. A photovoltaic system has been installed on the roof to produce electricity that will be used to power the building, while an inner courtyard will feature and array of foliage with the aim of preventing the build-up of heat zones.

The project was designed by the Zurich-based architecture and engineering office Weber Hofer Partner AG and realized by the cantonal Building Department in conjunction with Nissen Wentzlaff Architects.